6 Reasons Croatia Should Be Your Next Summer Holiday

If you’re looking for a getaway that won’t break the bank, a cheap holiday to Croatia is what you need!

You’ve been scrolling through Instagram with major FOMO as friends and bloggers post another perfect pic on a tropical beach. Now that summer is around the corner, it’s time for you to decide where to spend your few precious weeks of vacation. Unfortunately, many trips seems like they’re out of your budget. No worries, we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to fly halfway around the world to frolic in crystal clear waters. What you’re looking for is closer than you think! A Croatian vacation is perfect travelers who want to experience a bit of everything without breaking the bank. Read on to discover our Croatia travel guide and see why a cheap holiday to Croatia should be your plan this summer.

1. #ForTheGram: Picture Perfect Nature

As the sunniest country in the Balkans, you can be sure that your money is being well spent on your cheap holiday to Croatia. If you decide to take a break from the best sandy beaches in Croatia, there are a wealth of stunning natural parks to visit. Anyone who has been to Croatia before will tell you that a trip to Plitvice National Park is a must when visiting. You can easily get your 10,000 steps by strolling through the park and admiring all the gorgeous waterfalls. Another Croatia waterfall park worth a visit is Krka, where you’ll be able to get in the cool emerald water and swim near the falls. If you’re interested in hiking, Risnjak National Park is a mountainous region perfect for a scenic trek.

Waterfalls in Plitvice National Park, Croatia 📸: @travelsofalicia

2. Croatia is The #NewIbiza

Who says you need to go all the way to Spain to enjoy a good party? Croatia is now being dubbed the ‘New Ibiza’ thanks to the huge music festivals that take place in the summer. Visitors to Pula will find two great music fests. The Outlook Festival in September features bass music, and the Dimensions Festival at the end of August is the place to be for electronic music lovers. The Hideout Festival in Pag also features electronic music. Croatia’s biggest music festival, Ultra Europe, is in and around Split and features huge international DJs such as Hardwell, David Guetta, and Armin Van Buuren.

Ultra Europe Festival, Croatia 📸: @lovatdhlakama

3. Did Someone Say #RoadTrip?!

With a mainland coastline of over 1000 miles, a Croatia road trip with your besties is a must! Start in Zagreb and work your way down the coast. Spend your nights in bigger cities like Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik, and use those as your home base while exploring the inside of the country. Plitvice Lakes is a great option for a day trip. You can also opt to leave the car on dry land and take a boat to visit the islands. If you’re on a strict budget, there are places along the coast where you can camp. With a car, friends, and your fave playlist, you’re sure to have an unforgettable and cheap holiday to Croatia.

4. #TheRoadNotTaken: Get Off the Beaten Path

Remember that Robert Frost poem you read in high school? You’ve probably seen it in someone’s caption recently, but if you’re searching for a path less traveled, Croatia has got you covered. You’ll find tons of scenic spots where you can snap away without having other people in your shot. Dubrovnik is beautiful and worth a visit, yet it gets impossibly crowded during peak season. After your visit there you’ll definitely want to escape to a secluded island. With an old charming town and secluded beaches and coves, Vis is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. It’s a tranquil island not far from Split and an ideal place to relax and unwind. Another option to add to your Croatia itinerary is Stara Baska on Krk Island. Here you’ll find a small local population of around 100 people, clear water, and secluded beaches.

Vis Island, Croatia 📸: @emmanolan17

Krka Island, Croatia 📸: @sabrinaausfrankfurt

5. It’s a #Foodie Fantasy

As a coastal country, it’s no surprise that some of Croatia’s best dishes come from the sea. You’ll be able to sample them in almost any city, but Split is known for its delicious and fresh seafood. The Istria peninsula in the north is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, and we definitely suggest sampling the wine, olive oil, and truffles, which the region is known for. On the Peljesac peninsula, you’ll find a variety of wineries worth visiting. However, the true ‘spirit’ of Croatia, Rakija, is found across the country and is definitely not to be missed. This brandy derived from different fruits is the most common alcohol in the country. The most potent and flavorful Rakija is often found with the locals, who often brew their own at home.

Delicious Croatian seafood 📸: @ulirio

6. This Summer #WinterIsComing

Regardless of who you think belongs on the Iron Throne, you’ll enjoy following in the footsteps of your favorite Game of Thrones characters. If you’re wondering what to do in Dubrovnik and you’ve always wanted to feel like a citizen of King’s Landing, you’ll find multiple filming locations to explore in and around the city. Our personal favorite is the now-iconic Baroque Staircase, where you can recreate Cersei Lannister’s walk of shame (clothing recommended). If Khaleesi is more your type, you’ll enjoy visiting the Fortress of Klis. It is a short drive from Split and the filming location for the city of Meereen. The Trsteno Arboretum near Dubrovnik is another recommended spot, and was used as The Gardens of the Red Keep.

Now you know you can take a cheap holiday to Croatia full of grammable moments and perfect memories. So what are you waiting for? Use our trip planner to map your route through Croatia and save even more by booking all your hotels at once!

Alicia Schneider

With a thirst for adventure and a love of storytelling, Alicia has managed to combine her two passions in her journey to become a travel writer. After traveling to over 30 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, most of them solo, she is constantly on the lookout for a new place to explore and a fresh story to tell.